Amber Riley rose to fame playing diva-in-training Mercedes Jones on Glee. Now, she’s taking her performing career to the next level as a contestant on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars! Alongside pro dancer Derek Hough, the show’s only four-time champion, Riley will put her cha-cha, jive, and samba skills to the test.

Every week this season, Riley is blogging for Parade.com about her insider’s take on the drama before and after each performance. Read her blog every week at Parade.com/dwts.

The only words I could use describe the feeling after this week’s performance: complete shock!

I was not expecting three 9s. I just wanted to make sure my tango was crisp and that it looked like I put effort behind it—because to be honest, I was very insecure about this week. I did not get as much rehearsal time, so I was not confident. In fact, I wasn’t confident about the tango until the moment I had to do it with the camera in my face!

My knees didn’t really hurt during the dance because there was so much adrenaline rushing through my body! I was so hot. I did not feel anything. I was just concentrating on my frame, trying to make sure everything was right.

Usually we have enough time to rehearse over and over again to the point where it’s second nature, and all I have to worry about is the performance aspect of it. But this time I had to worry about the technique more because the movement wasn’t as concrete in my body and my mind, so that made me nervous.

It was heart wrenching to see Valerie Harper go home, but it was great just to see that smile on her face and to know she had had a wonderful time while she was there. All of us told her on a regular basis what a light she was and what a pleasure it was to have her at rehearsal. You could be having a difficult time during rehearsals, and Valerie would be there with her big bright smile, ready to give you a hug and tell you how wonderful you are. She had something wonderful to say about everyone, and vice versa! She’s an amazing woman, and she has this very unique ability to make you feel like a million bucks when you feel like a dollar bill.

I talked to her after the show and told her how wonderful she was in the competition and what an inspiration she was. All she could say was, ‘No, honey, you’re amazing! You’re doing such an amazing job!’ I almost think it wasn’t as sad for her as it was for us—wewere all in tears!

Derek was so helpful throughout the week. He made me go to the doctor, number one! He just wanted to make sure I wasn’t making my injuries worse. He also kept the tango simple and classic, which made it easier for me mentally. At the same time, the tango was kind of all me, so it was difficult physically—but I think he was smart in the way he choreographed it.

Also, nobody pointed out that this week was my first ballroom dance! I was terrified because there is so much that goes into ballroom dancing as far as your posture and your hold. I was relieved to hear Carrie Ann say, “Your hold was really good.” That’s one thing I was worried about because I’m not used to that kind of framework. You have to have your arms up the whole entire time, and my back is so sore right now! You use your back muscles to push your shoulders down and your elbows are up, and we’re pushing out against each other the whole entire time. So, that was not an easy first ballroom dance. We’re doing the foxtrot this week, so it’s more ballroom. It’s really great we’re doing that dance because I can work on my frame even more.

I’ll definitely be working on footwork this week because I am kind of pigeon toed! I don’t have flat feet—I do have an arch in my foot—but I walk really hard. So I’m working on my pointe and being light on my feet. I’m definitely working on the overall technique and look of things, and understanding the language of each of these dances that I do.

I don’t think Derek was nervous dancing in front of his sister. There may have been a few nerves, but I don’t think it was because he thought his sister was going to give him a terrible score or anything. I just think he wanted to do a good job because she was there. As for me, it’s a pressure-filled situation every Monday! So, that pressure wasn’t relieved or added because Julianne was guest judging. I put pressure on myself every single time I have to dance in front of millions of people.